Australian state decriminalises personal use of Cocaine, Heroin, MDMA & more

Australia’s Capital Territory (ACT) has made history by becoming the first state in the country to decriminalise the personal possession of illicit substances, including cocaine, MDMA, heroin, crystal meth and amphetamines.

As of last month, Aussie citizens caught with small amounts of substances on their person now face fines and referrals to drug programs instead of criminal prosecution.

Police will have the final say on how to handle each case, but fines for possession are now on the same level as parking offences and speeding tickets.

Talking about the new approach to handling drug use within the state, ACT’s health minister, Rachel Stephen-Smith, says: “The ACT has led the nation with a progressive approach to reducing the harm caused by illicit drugs through diversion, health treatment and reducing the stigma for those most vulnerable and at risk in the community.

“This sensible reform is based on the expert advice that a health-focused, harm reduction approach delivers the best outcome for people using drugs,” she continued.

“The government will ensure through amendments that the principle of harm reduction is front and centre of our approach to this change.”